'Gaehullyung' Dog Owner Worries About 'Cookie' Appearance... Kang Hyung-wook Says "Actually a Total Coward" and Controls

On the 20th, the KBS 2TV entertainment program "Dogs Are Incredible" aired a story about Cookie, a Beagle with behavioral issues who was confined to the veranda after biting a person.
/Photo by KBS broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Animal trainer Kang Hyung-wook took on the challenge of training a troubled dog that had bitten people and was facing euthanasia.

On the 20th, the KBS 2TV variety show 'Dogs Are Incredible' aired a story about a troubled Beagle named 'Cookie' who had bitten people and was confined to the balcony.

That day, Cookie's owner said, "When someone comes home, Cookie barks for hours until they leave." Cookie also barked aggressively at the production team.

The owner explained that Cookie had bitten a previous visiting trainer not long ago, causing flesh wounds on a finger. Cookie reportedly entered the room through the balcony despite the door being closed and bit the trainer. The owner also revealed that they had considered euthanizing Cookie.

The father owner said, "The animal hospital told us there was no option other than euthanasia," adding, "I steeled myself and left, but I just couldn't go through with it and came back." He shared that Cookie, who never sat still, unusually sat quietly that day staring only at him.

The mother owner was suffering from panic disorder due to the stress caused by Cookie, and after giving up on euthanasia, they decided to keep Cookie only on the balcony.

The mother owner expressed the difficulties of raising Cookie, saying, "I wanted to treat him well, but I also feel frustrated and sorry. After hurting people, what kind of behavior is this? I worry others might find it strange."

Kang Hyung-wook carefully observed Cookie's behavior to identify patterns. Cookie eagerly ate treats even when excited.

Seeing this, Kang Hyung-wook analyzed, "There is a high possibility that this is a fake anger to get treats." He explained that Cookie repeated this behavior because it gained benefits every time he barked.

Kang Hyung-wook then went for a walk to observe Cookie's outdoor behavior. After receiving the leash from the owner, Kang said, "I will make Cookie a little uncomfortable," and stimulated Cookie’s hind legs. Cookie suddenly became quiet and even started backing away slowly.

Kang Hyung-wook said, "He is a complete coward. When shy dogs gain confidence, they can become aggressive. When I stopped him from barking, he became a very timid dog. At home, he is the king; outside, he is a scared dog. Barking is his way to overcome fear," he explained.

Kang Hyung-wook then began counseling the owners. He said, "Cookie has plenty of potential," but also warned, "However, there is a high chance this training will fail," causing concern for the owners.

He pointed out, "The mother owner gets startled easily and is very fearful. Dogs know this. The biggest problem is an owner who is scared but still shows affection."

The mother owner said, "I only showed affection without discipline. When I came home from work, Cookie was alone all day, so I felt sorry and gave him love. The father owner comes home late and doesn’t spend much time with him, so he treated him well."

In response, Kang Hyung-wook said, "People who are overly sympathetic and pity their dogs tend to have dogs that become aggressive. It’s like a formula," adding, "They are perfect candidates to be dominated."

He continued, "The problem can be corrected at any time. But the moment the owner feels afraid of their dog, they cease to be the owner," he said.

The owners admitted they felt shocked and fearful after Cookie’s biting incidents. The mother owner confessed, "He didn’t do this as a puppy. Before the incidents, I wasn’t afraid. After the incidents, I developed fear."

Hearing this, Kang Hyung-wook firmly advised, "If only the mother owner can steady her mind, things can definitely improve. Your child was bitten, and your child’s teacher was bitten. So, mother owner, this is your last chance."

In response, the mother owner said, "I’m determined. I can do it. Thank you so much for your help," showing her resolve.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.